HS2 confirms Euston cavern is entering detailed design

Plans to avoid major bridge demolition work to take the HS2 route into Euston station in London could include excavation of a “cavern” to lower the route below existing infrastructure.

An engineer close to the project told GE that the cavern approach was being advanced and HS2 has confirmed that the option is being given careful consideration.

GE understand that a number of bidders put forward similar proposals and one described the cavern as “mammoth”.

“In terms of the Euston design refinements, it’s too early to talk about the details because design work is very much ongoing,” said a spokesman for HS2.

“The key point is that, as we move towards the start of construction, we are continuing to develop and refine our plans in order to reduce disturbance to our neighbours and people travelling through the station. That’s why we have been looking at moving the point at which HS2 reaches the surface nearer to Euston in order to reduce the amount of work required on the existing railway and the amount of construction around the station.

“As a result, we have now come up with a scheme which appears to do that, and we are asking our contractors to pursue, refine and develop this scheme into their final detailed design. Major works are still required, but this is likely to result in much reduced impacts on the area overall.”

Speaking to NCE earlier this month, HS2 programme director phase 1 – south Rob Carr said that the plans to demolish three bridges presented in the hybrid bill set out the “worst credible case”. He confirmed that now the project has gained Royal Assent, the design is being refined.

Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has said use of innovative methods has helped it to successfully overcome challenges with soft ground and limited space to construct Katong Park Station on the new 43km Thomson-East Coast Line.

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